Pool to be dedicated on March 24

California Lutheran University will dedicate the Samuelson Aquatics Center in a public ceremony at 2 p.m. Sat., March 24.

Three-time gold medalist and Olympic Hall of Famer Rowdy Gaines, once considered "the fastest swimmer on the planet," will serve as master of ceremonies. Gaines won three gold medals in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. He did not compete in 1980 because of the U.S. boycott of the Olympics.

The Samuelson family, for whom the aquatics facility is named, will also be in attendance. Robert and Doris Samuelson and Jack and Sally Samuelson of La CañadaFlintridge were major donors who are credited with making the aquatics facility possible.

Contributions to CLU from the Samuelsons have also given rise to Samuelson Chapel, the Orville Dahl Centrum refurbishment, Peters Hall, locker room additions, a number of residence halls, the Soiland Humanities Center and the SpiesBornemann Center for Education and Technology.

Other new athletic arenas on the 80-acre site north of Olsen Road include the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, George "Sparky" Anderson Baseball Field and Ullman Stadium. Areas for soccer, track and field and practice are also in place along with on-site parking.

- - Nancy Needham